YNAB
Best for: People who want a hands-on method
$109
Per year
$14.99
Per month
As of · sources in Details
Pros
- Clear method that builds habits
- Long 34-day free trial
- Share with up to 5 others
Cons
- Among the more expensive apps
- Takes regular effort to keep up
Who it fits
You want a system, not just a tracker
What reviewers say
Reviewers say YNAB's structure makes people more intentional with money, and a membership can be shared. It's pricier than most, needs regular upkeep, and takes getting used to.
Paraphrased from NerdWallet, The best budget apps; Engadget, The best budgeting apps.
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Details: full breakdown and sources
The numbers
The breakdown
You Need A Budget: a hands-on, zero-based budgeting app where every dollar gets a job.
YNAB costs $109 a year or $14.99 a month, with a 34-day free trial that doesn't ask for a credit card. One subscription can be shared with up to five other people.
It uses zero-based budgeting: you give every dollar you have right now a job before you spend it.
Review themes, point by point
- Reviewers say YNAB's structure helps people become more intentional with money.
- You can link accounts or enter transactions by hand, and share one membership with a partner or family.
- It's one of the pricier apps, and it asks for regular, active upkeep.
- It focuses on money you have now rather than forecasting future paychecks, which takes some getting used to.
Reviews reflect each publisher's view on the day they wrote it.
All pros
- Clear method that builds habits
- Long 34-day free trial
- Share with up to 5 others
All cons
- Among the more expensive apps
- Takes regular effort to keep up
Might fit if
- You want a system, not just a tracker
- You'll check in a few times a week
Maybe look elsewhere if:
- You want something fully automatic